Metel developed from a five-kiloton nuclear depth-charge version and a torpedo-carrying version into later multi-purpose weapons. The system could draw on helicopter or external guidance, radio command, and an infrared seeker for anti-ship employment. Its published ranges and payloads made it a long arm for Kresta II's anti-submarine mission, and related launchers later appeared across several Soviet ship classes. These missiles were comparatively blunt instruments built around a large motor and destructive payload rather than exquisite guidance. Even a torpedo delivered into a surface task group could disrupt formation and decision-making, so describing the cruiser as merely an ASW ship understates its coercive combat value.
Notable Point · 35:01-39:40
Metel gives the Kresta II reach against submarines
The Metel missile-and-torpedo family makes the Kresta II more than a conventional escort by extending its anti-submarine reach and creating a disruptive anti-surface option.